What causes seborrheic dermatitis to appear suddenly in later years?
Unfortunately, there's no single clear cause for why seborrheic dermatitis might suddenly appear later in life. The condition develops from a combination of biological and environmental factors working together.
Several factors can contribute to its Show Full Answer
What causes seborrheic dermatitis to appear suddenly in later years?
Unfortunately, there's no single clear cause for why seborrheic dermatitis might suddenly appear later in life. The condition develops from a combination of biological and environmental factors working together.
Several factors can contribute to its development:
- Inflammation and immune system activation
- Changes in how your sebaceous glands work
- Your body's reaction to Malassezia yeast that naturally lives on skin
- Certain health conditions like Parkinson's disease, HIV infection, or depression
- Stress levels
- Weather and temperature changes
- Certain medications
As we age, changes in our autonomic nervous system can affect how our sebaceous glands function, potentially leading to oilier skin that's more prone to seborrheic dermatitis. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are also linked to higher rates of seborrheic dermatitis.
The condition affects about 5 percent of adults generally, but this increases to around 16 percent among people with mental health disorders.
If you've noticed sudden onset, it's worth discussing with your dermatologist whether any new medications, health conditions, or life changes might be contributing factors.
March 22
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